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Itinerary for Oct 6 — Oct 17, 2013

Description: Owned and operated by a local family and is located in the heart of this quaint lake village, and an excellent base for the many sights of this Piemonte region. Local and international specialities are served in the high maintained restaurant. 3-star hotel.

Arrive To: Upon arrival your Group Leader will meet you for the transfer by private coach to Stresa (656 feet, transfer time approx. 1 hour), the site for the first four nights of this program. Depending on arrival time, a light lunch will be served followed by an orientation stroll. Welcome reception and orientation prior to dinner.

Description: Owned and operated by a local family and is located in the heart of this quaint lake village, and an excellent base for the many sights of this Piemonte region. Local and international specialities are served in the high maintained restaurant. 3-star hotel.

Note: 3.5 hours total walking and visiting (palace) time. Field lecture on Mount Mottarone formation and the Piedmont region.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning ride a cable car to the top of Mount Mottarone (4900 feet) considered one of the most beautiful natural balconies in the whole Piedmont region. Its geographical formation allows your gaze to sweep over 360° from the Po Valley to the summits of the Alps. The visitor's eye is struck by the summit of Monte Rosa and by great views of Lake Maggiore and Lake d’Orta below. Walk on comfortable trails on the top of the mountain and return to Stresa by cable car.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: After lunch take a boat ride to the Borromean Gulf. Excursion to one of these most famous islands, Isola Bella with its 18th century Borromean Palace with a perfectly preserved Baroque garden.

Description: Owned and operated by a local family and is located in the heart of this quaint lake village, and an excellent base for the many sights of this Piemonte region. Local and international specialities are served in the high maintained restaurant. 3-star hotel.

Note: 3 hours total walking. Field lectures on the history of Orta and the sacred Monte d'Orta.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Today coach to Lake d'Orta and the town of Orta (961 feet) to begin the walking field trip around the picturesque streets of this little town and for an excursion to the sacred Monte d'Orta, a hilltop sanctuary built in 1500 A.D. and located in a special nature reserve.

Lunch: Picnic money will be provided.

Afternoon: Independent time in Orta to explore the center of town. Return to Stresa by coach,

Description: Owned and operated by a local family and is located in the heart of this quaint lake village, and an excellent base for the many sights of this Piemonte region. Local and international specialities are served in the high maintained restaurant. 3-star hotel.

Note: 3.5 hours total walking. Field lecture on the flora and geography of the Monte Croce area.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Today's walk begins right from the hotel. Walk along marked trails through wooded areas on uneven ground and undulating terrain around Monte Croce (1693 feet) and along the wooded hillsides south of Stresa. We will enjoy memorable views of Lago Maggiore.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Belgirate.

Afternoon: Optional walk to Lesa (one hour). Return to Stresa by public bus.

Description: Located directly on Lake Como in the center of Menaggio with incredible views of the lake, and an excellent location for day and night activity or relaxation. 3-star hotel. Easy access to the ferry boat, water bus, and local bus.

Facility amenities: Veranda restaurnat, solarium with swimming pool and terrace. Tea room, bar and internet area (there is a charge).

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Friday, October 11 - GANDRIA - MENAGGIO TRANSFER DAY

Note: 2.5 hours total walking. Introduction field lectures regarding the area of Lake Como and the village of Menaggio.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the Stresa hotel.

Morning: After breakfast leave Lake Maggiore behind and depart for Lake Como. Enroute there is a stop at Lugano (896 feet) for an effortless walk along the shore of Lago di Lugano to the quaint little village of Gandria.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lakeshore before continuing on by coach.

Afternoon: Arrive in the afternoon in Menaggio (660 feet), the site for the next five nights. Check-in at the hotel followed by an orientation stroll through the center of town and along the lakeshore.

Description: Located directly on Lake Como in the center of Menaggio with incredible views of the lake, and an excellent location for day and night activity or relaxation. 3-star hotel. Easy access to the ferry boat, water bus, and local bus.

Facility amenities: Veranda restaurnat, solarium with swimming pool and terrace. Tea room, bar and internet area (there is a charge).

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Saturday, October 12 - SAN DOMENICO-LOVENO

Note: 3 hours total walking. Field lectures on the San Domenico "Place of Pilgrimage" and the history of the old and unspoiled village of Loveno.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning take a private coach to Breglia (2500 feet), a small mountain village, to begin the walking field trip on an easy circular trail that leads through the woods to the chapel of San Domenico (2700 feet) with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Continue the walk to the Santuario della Madonna di Breglia before returning to the village of Breglia. From here transfer by private coach to Loveno for a walking excursion of this old and unspoiled little village with narrow cobbled streets and noble villas.

Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.

Afternoon: After lunch, join a hands-on introduction to the Boccia game. Return to Menaggio on foot.

Description: Located directly on Lake Como in the center of Menaggio with incredible views of the lake, and an excellent location for day and night activity or relaxation. 3-star hotel. Easy access to the ferry boat, water bus, and local bus.

Facility amenities: Veranda restaurnat, solarium with swimming pool and terrace. Tea room, bar and internet area (there is a charge).

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eight: Sunday, October 13 - VAL BREGAGLIA-SOGLIO-CHIAVENNA

Note: 4 hours total walking. Field lecture regarding the "ancient trading routes over the Alps" and Valley of Bregaglia. Another field lecture will inform you of the famous Giacometti brothers (painters and sculptors) in their home town of Stampa.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: A private coach excursion on one of the ancient trading routes over the Alps leads away from the Lakes and over the border to Switzerland into the Valley of Bregaglia with its lovely landscape, characteristic houses and architectural monuments, testimonies of the once significant history of the valley. Stop at Stampa (3300 feet) where the famous Giacometti brothers (painters and sculptors) called home, from here walk on a rough goat trail with high uneven steps to Soglio (3600 feet), the most graceful village in the area, located on a sun terrace high above the valley offering memorable views.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Continue the field trip down to Castasegna (2260 feet) at the border of Switzerland and Italy. Return to Menaggio by private coach with a stop at Chiavenna (1100 feet), geographical, cultural and economic center of the area.

Description: Located directly on Lake Como in the center of Menaggio with incredible views of the lake, and an excellent location for day and night activity or relaxation. 3-star hotel. Easy access to the ferry boat, water bus, and local bus.

Facility amenities: Veranda restaurnat, solarium with swimming pool and terrace. Tea room, bar and internet area (there is a charge).

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Nine: Monday, October 14 - COMO-CITTADELLA SETA

Note: 2 hours of total walking. Field lecture will inform you of the history, culture and economics of Como.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning transfer by private coach to Como (653 feet). Upon arrival at la'Citta' della Seta', the silk city presents itself from its charming side with its extensive shore promenade, the Roman quarter in the back, and the Baroque cupola of the Cathedral. City excursion.

Lunch: Independent lunch today in Como.

Afternoon: Remainder of day is independent for one’s own interests. Suggestion for an independent activity; ride by funicular to Brunate (2350 feet) for more impressive views of the surrounding mountains, ice capped peaks of the Alps, and Lake Como. Tickets for the independent return by bus back to Menaggio will be provided.

Description: Located directly on Lake Como in the center of Menaggio with incredible views of the lake, and an excellent location for day and night activity or relaxation. 3-star hotel. Easy access to the ferry boat, water bus, and local bus.

Facility amenities: Veranda restaurnat, solarium with swimming pool and terrace. Tea room, bar and internet area (there is a charge).

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Ten: Tuesday, October 15 - MENAGGIO-BELLAGIO

Note: 3 hours total walking. Field lecture on Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como", and the garden of the Villa Melzi, and a hands-on experience and lecture on Italian cuisine.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Leave Menaggio by ferry boat to quaint Bellagio for a cooking class at a typical agriturismo. Our walk starts from Bellagio and leads through small hamlets and a forest of chestnut trees. After some uphill walking we reach our destination, "Baita Belvedere". We will be taught how to prepare a typical farmer's meal and will enjoy our lunch while overlooking the beautiful bay of Bellagio.

Lunch: Lunch at "Baita Belvedere".

Afternoon: In the afternoon you may decide to be transported to Bellagio or join the optional walk back to Bellagio (2 hours). Free time in Bellagio and individual return by ferry back to Menaggio.

Note: 2.5 hours total walking and visiting time. Field lecture on Villa Carlotta with its botanical park. Approximate transfer time to the Milan airport hotel: 2 hours.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Menaggio.

Morning: On our last morning transfer by public bus for a visit of the famous Villa Carlotta, a classical mansion from the end of the 17th century with an extensive botanical garden. Return to Menaggio by public bus.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel in Menaggio.

Afternoon: Transfer by private coach to the Malpensa airport hotel. Remainder of the day is independent, the Group Leader will be able to assist you with ideas and transportation into the city center.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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